Madison, Wisconsin
- Wisconsin became a state May 29, 1848, the 30th state admitted to the Union.
- Madison became state capital with statehood in 1848, was territorial capital from 1836
- Incorporated: 1846
- Name Origin: Named for James Madison (1751-1836)
Madison was a wilderness when the legislature selected the site for the state capital and the state university. Today a beautiful white granite classic-domed capitol dominates the center of this “City of Four Lakes.”
The 900-acre University of Wisconsin-Madison lies along the shore of Lake Mendota; hear Sunday concerts at the Carillon Tower; see artworks from 2300 BC to the present at Chazen Museum.
Frank Lloyd Wright left a rich architectural heritage in Madison. There are numerous buildings from the Prairie School movement such as Airplane House, Lamp House, Jacobs I house and more.
Madison’s Henry Vilas Park Zoo is world-famous for its successful orangutan, Siberian tiger, and camel breeding programs; camel rides are available there. Tour from Madison to Wisconsin Dells; see Baraboo, the original home of Ringling Brothers Circus.
Key Words: lakes, university, carillon, Wright, zoo
Things To Love About Madison
The user-friendly town square and the Saturday Farmers Market; Wisconsin cave-aged cheese; the hillsides overflowing with summer crops; the capitol open to all, showing off its glamour yet sporting a tomato patch on the lawn; the sense of abundance, and fun.
Blogs To Read About Madison
Looking For Cheese https://capitalcitiesusa.org/?p=10873#more-10873
Eating Out Is A Responsibility https://capitalcitiesusa.org/?p=10968
Lake, City, Lake https://capitalcitiesusa.org/?p=11096
The Town Square https://capitalcitiesusa.org/?p=11329
Just Talking https://capitalcitiesusa.org/?p=11232
Saturday’s Scene https://capitalcitiesusa.org/?p=11425
Capital City Basics
- Population: 233,209, 15th largest in population of the 50 capital cities
- Population density: 3,037 persons per square mile
- Land area of city: 76.79 square miles
- Elevation: 863 feet, 16th highest in elevation of the 50 capital cities
- Normal high/low temps: January 26/11, July 82/61. Annual rainfall: 35 inches
- Time Zone: Central
- Water near: Yahara River. Wingra Creek. Lakes Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, Kegonsa.
- Mountains near: Upland Highlands. Timms Hill, in the north central part of the state, is the highest point in Wisconsin at 1,951 feet.
- Miles to three nearest State Capitals: Saint Paul, MN and Springfield, IL 261; Des Moines, IA 295; Indianapolis, IN 331
- Miles to National Capitol in Washington, DC: 847
Population Statistics from US 2010 Census
- 233,209 Population
- 17.5% Under 18
- 9.6% Over 65
- 7.4% Asian
- 7.3% Black
- 6.8% Hispanic/Latino
- 0.4% Native Alaskan or American Indian
- 0.0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
- 75.7% White
Education Statistics from US 2010 Census
- 15.0% English Not Spoken at Home
- 94.5% High School Graduate
- 52.9% Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
Economic Statistics from US 2010 Census
- 18.4% Below Poverty Level
- $30,595 Per Capita Income
- $54,093 Median Household Income
- $219,600 Median Value of Home
- 51.4% Home Ownership
City: http://www.cityofmadison.com/
Visitors: http://www.visitmadison.com/